Rogelio V. Solis/APFormer Auburn coach Jeff Lebo has found a new job as coach of East Carolina.AUBURN -- Less than two weeks after he was fired by Auburn, Jeff Lebo has landed a new job.

Lebo will be the new head basketball coach at East Carolina, the school announced Monday. Lebo was fired after a 96-93 overall record in six seasons at Auburn.

Meanwhile, Auburn's search for his replacement may still be in its early stages.

Speculation that Auburn was close to a deal with Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, a basketball veteran who made successful stops at Tulsa, Georgia and Kentucky, was dampened by a second, firmer denial from Smith.

"There's no truth to it," Smith said in extensive comments in Monday's Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I'm not a candidate for any other job."

Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs has said the search might take weeks, rather than days, and is likely to include some candidates with teams in postseason play.

Lebo's hiring was first reported on ESPN Monday morning and confirmed by the school later in the afternoon. Visitors to the ECU Web site were greeted with a full-page spread of Lebo and his coaching accomplishments.

Former Auburn baseball coach Hal Baird was serving as de-facto athletic director when he hired Lebo in 2004. An ECU alumnus, Baird gave a glowing endorsement of Lebo.

"He faced many obstacles when he arrived, which really allows his 24-win season (in 2009) and his overall winning record to serve as a testament to his remarkable achievements," Baird said. "He always represented Auburn in a first-class manner with dignity and character, and I'm thrilled that Jeff Lebo will be the next head men's basketball coach at East Carolina."

Lebo had only one winning SEC season and failed to make the NCAA tournament in six years, but Auburn's 24 wins in 2009 were the second-most in school history.

North Carolina coach Roy Williams also weighed in on Lebo's dismissal Monday, saying it was "really disappointing" that Lebo didn't get a seventh year.

"Jeff is really, really good and Jeff is going to bounce back, but I was disappointed," said Williams, according to the North Carolina Scout.com site.

If Lebo had remained at Auburn, the Tar Heels were expected to be the first team to play at the new Auburn Arena in November.